This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
Kenya's Harambee Stars will kick off their Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup campaign against Djibouti at Bugembe Stadium in Jinja on Sunday, December 1, 2019.
However, the tournament has already been marred by controversy after Ethiopia's Walya Antelopes withdrew from the annual regional football showpiece, which begins on Saturday, November 30, 2019.
According to Cecafa secretary-general Nicholas Musonye, the fixtures indicate that Harambee Stars will also play Tanzania and Zanzibar at the same venue next Tuesday and Thursday respectively.
Stars midfielder Kenneth Muguna emphasized that there are no easy games in the tournament nowadays, and the team is now focused on progressing from the group stage.
After playing minnows Djibouti, Kenya's matches against Tanzania and Zanzibar are expected to be closely-contested, given the team's past performances against these opponents.
Stars beat Tanzania at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations last June, but lost to the same opponents in the 2020 Africa Nations Championship (Chan) qualifiers in August, a result that cost Sebastian Migne his job as Kenya's coach.
Goalkeeper Samuel Odhiambo has been drafted into the Stars squad by coach Francis Kimanzi as a replacement for injured youngster Brian Bwire, and he is eager to prove himself in the tournament.
“Life is about taking chances when they come your way,” explained Samuel Odhiambo.
Stars squad, mainly consisting of home-based players, reported to camp on Monday, November 25, 2019, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and will leave for Jinja on Friday, November 29, 2019.
